Norfolk artist paints mural for new downtown business

NORFOLK, Neb. -- A local artist is putting the finishing touches on a mural in northeast Nebraska.

Tess Petersen, a Norfolk native, painted a mural for the new River Point Inn.

The mural spans across two walls on the patio of the inn and features a waterfall and large lettering that says "River Point Inn."

The waterfall portion of the mural was inspired by a picture taken by Terry Koopman. 

Petersen said she has been creating art all her life and was inspired to become an artist by her family.

"I've always loved art and been interested in it because my parents are into art," Petersen said. "It's always been part of my life. Then when I went to college, I studied abroad in London, went to all the museums all the time, it got me into focusing on doing my own art."

She began working on the mural three weeks ago and said it will likely be completed this weekend.

Petersen has also painted murals at different businesses in Norfolk including District Table & Tap and Elkhorn Lofts.

She told News Channel Nebraska the impact and importance art has to any community.

"Any public art is important for any community," Petersen said. "Just having things that make people walk around and experience the area. Beauty is something important for any area to have." 

Petersen has artwork at the Landlock Gallery in Omaha.

You can follow her on her Instagram @Tesseartist to catch up on her all her artwork.